Boyd guides No. 3 Clemson to convincing rout of Wake

Tajh Boyd became the second ACC quarterback to account for 100 career touchdowns and got No. 3 Clemson's offense back on track in a 56-7 victory over Wake Forest.

By ERIC BOYNTONeric.boynton@shj.com

CLEMSON — Everything went as planned for Clemson in Saturday's mismatch as the Tigers avoided even a hint of drama in clobbering outmanned Wake Forest 56-7 in Death Valley.Befitting of a team perched high in the national rankings, the third-ranked Tigers whipped the Demon Deacons in all phases while adding plenty of style points to their decisive homecoming victory.It was Clemson's largest margin of victory over an ACC opponent since 1999 and the fourth-largest margin against a conference foe ever. The Tigers outgained the Demon Deacons 573 yards to 222 and are now 66-0-1 when amassing at least 500 yards.“What a great team win,” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said. “We played a complete game for all four quarters and there were no lulls in our play. We played a ton of guys and they played to our standard of excellence. Our team is growing and improving and we played outstanding in all three aspects of the game. It was just a great day for our football team.”After a lethargic offensive display in its previous outing at North Carolina State, Clemson scored on its first three possessions Saturday to lead 21-0 less than eight minutes into the opening quarter. D.J. Howard capped the quick outburst by taking a third-down screen pass 75 yards.Quarterback Tajh Boyd put his Heisman Trophy campaign squarely back on track while supplementing what have now become weekly additions to the school record books in addition to chasing various ACC marks.Just over a week since he looked tentative and Clemson offensive coordinator Chad Morris implored his field leader to relax and enjoy the on-field proceedings, Boyd played with a much greater abandon and was laser sharp in the passing game.Boyd did most of his damage prior to halftime when he completed 13 of 18 for 286 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for a fourth. He finished 17 of 24 for 311 yards while rushing for 69 with the four scores. He became Clemson's career yardage leader and joined Philip Rivers as the only ACC players with 100 combined touchdowns.It was also a day of firsts as Clemson's ability to get many backups involved saw some future difference-makers involve their names on the stat sheet.A trio of first-year freshmen impacted the game with receiver Mike Williams catching a 14-yard touchdown, tight end Jordan Leggett grabbing an 18-yard score and linebacker Ben Boulware intercepting a pass. All were career firsts.Seven different Tigers scored touchdowns, but the catalyst among all the newbie's was junior star Sammy Watkins, who caught a 64-yard touchdown on the third play from scrimmage en route to six catches for 113 yards.Cornerback Merrill Noel was called for interference on the play, but Watkins fought through the illegal contact and never gave up on the play.“I just kept on playing and that's what great players do, you play through those types of things and just keep on going,” Watkins said. “I think that's all our offense needed was to get a big spark like that.“I think we got better on both sides of the ball, but still have a lot of improving to do. This was a step in the right direction. We had eight touchdowns and spread it around to a lot of guys.”Clemson's lone disappointment was the inability to get decorated Army veteran Daniel Rodriguez into the end zone on three consecutive shovel passes in the fourth quarter. He was denied just short on the last from the 2-yard line and the Tigers let former walk-on C.J. Davidson plunge in for his second touchdown. Rodriguez, who received big applause each time his name was announced, did record the team's longest punt return of the season with a 16-yarder.After the Tigers opened with the 21-point lead, they allowed Wake a 54-yard touchdown drive, the visitor's lone series lasting more than 37 yards and one of only four lasting more than five plays. Clemson had three consecutive three-and-outs before putting the finishing touches on a 35-7 halftime lead with a pair of touchdowns over the final 4:57. Boyd scored from 2 yards out and Williams scored as he cradled a throw sliding on his backside.With the offense stealing the show as always, the Tigers defense continued to make strides in allowing Wake Forest an average of 1.9 yards on 31 rushes and holding them to 2 of 14 third-down conversions. Clemson forced two turnovers and recorded three sacks, including one by Vic Beasley, who entered second nationally in average per game.“Our defense has improved greatly, starting with the second half of last season and carrying over to now,” Swinney said. “They are playing sound, fundamental football and playing with that next guy up mentality which is what you need when you play a lot of guys like we did. I have a lot of confidence in those guys.”